I'M FED UP reading about the human shields coming back to the UK from Iraq and complaining about the Iraq authorities wanting to deploy them on different sites. What did they think Saddam was going to do with them?

If these human shields want something to do why don't they write to some of our forces in The Gulf - thanking them for the freedoms they enjoy; freedoms that their fathers fought for.

Most of my generation never got a good education but I think any fool can see Saddam Hussein is playing cat and mouse with the UN. If it were not for the very strong stance by Bush and Blair, he would still be giving us the two-finger sign.

Nobody in their right mind wants war, but I think Bush and Blair have made the right decision - because in the future, we won't get time to make another one.

Mr A. Dunn,Anfield, Liverpool 4

Go it alone >

WITH reference to the statement issued by US Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld, regarding the lack of support of some members of the UN: Gung-Ho Rumsfeld would be better thinking back to the first and second world wars, when America held out until the last minute to offer us support.

It only came after our wealth had been transferred over the Atlantic - and Pearl Harbour forced them into it. Now America threatens to go it alone, so what are they waiting for? We got on with it in 1939.

But I predict America won't go it alone - the Muslims would annihilate them.

Bill Bennett,Garston

Save our boys >

I APPEAL on behalf of all mothers, fathers and families going through the sheer hell of having their loved ones in Kuwait: Will someone please do something to help our lads, who have nothing. Many are hungry and sick, and others totally distraught with the conditions.

Remember, they are all under orders. They HAD to go. I am totally dismayed that many are being called scroungers and ridiculed for having nothing by the American soldiers, whom our lads are expected to back up.

My son is out there and my heart is breaking, like that of so many other families. If this war proceeds, I swear like thousands of others I will never ever vote for any politician again.

Name & Address Supplied

Back the Brits >

IT IS beyond me why so-called British people can be against our own country and side with a murderous tyrant and women and child killer such as Saddam Hussain.

I very strongly side with our own country and the Americans.

Every now and again in history such despots spring up. They never leave of their own accord and have to be forced out. Tony Blair is the best PM we have ever had.

M. Dale,Liverpool 14

Pass mark >

MAY I through your letters page thank the person who so kindly forwarded my disability bus pass which I lost between the city and Page Moss.

To whoever you are, please accept my gratitude.

G. Roberts,Cantril Farm

Grotesque rise >

I FOUND the headlines in the ECHO (Thursday, February 27) disgusting regarding David Henshaw's salary increase. Obscene is just not the word - grotesque is more descriptive.

Our elderly are having to sell their homes to pay for their care. Care homes are closing down due to lack of funding from local government. Old folk are dying through worrying if their care home is going to close. Families are having to pay top ups to keep care homes open . . .

But we don't get fantastic increases in salary to pay for this. And we also have to somehow try to save for our own old age.

When local government chiefs say they care, I don't think they know the meaning of the word. Mr Henshaw's increase would pay for an elderly person's care for two-and-a-half years in a nursing home.

It would also go a long way to increase carers' earnings.

Mrs P.E. Gilchrist,Daughter of Mildred Faulkner,Resident of Holmleigh Nursing Home

Vital help >

AS A parent of a disabled son Andrew who is 36 years old, I was very interested in the I Can Do That page in the ECHO of March 6.

It is great to read of funding to help disabled adults or people with learning disabilities travel on public transport with Merseytravel. Good luck to this venture.

Andrew was given support and help to travel on public transport last year with Pathways Mencap and, with the help of some special people from Mencap, is now able to travel on the bus into town, giving him new independence.

Thanks also to some great Merseytravel staff, who have helped Andrew on various routes into the city. Good luck to all involved.

I FULLY agree with the sentiments of Mr P. Roberts (ECHO Letters, February 28) on hare coursing, although I would swop his pitbulls for a couple of hungry lions. That's how angry I feel about their despicable activities.

Prescott and his perpetrators of pain would never accept his challenge if it meant there was the slightest chance of them being harmed because they are all cowards.

They are only capable of terrorising and destroying beautiful, harmless animals, in the name of sport, to satisfy their bloodlust.

J. Wilson,Fazakerley

Off the rails>

THE ECHO recently revealed that Virgin Trains plan to withdraw their Voyager fleet from Liverpool and transfer them to Manchester, leaving Liverpool without the important cross-country service.

This is happening just as we are hoping to become the Capital of Culture and as we should be encouraging additional visitors to our city.

So, once again, Liverpool is being treated badly, without any regard to the needs of its travelling public.

Mrs J. Henesy,Woolton

Cheers, lads>

HAVING just discovered Colin's Bridewell - the new pub/retaurant in Campbell Street, I read the report by your critic Rachael Tinniswood (ECHO, February 28) with incredulity.

Why? Because she totally failed to mention the pub's main asset, namely its choice of real ales.

May I suggest that in future you employ a man in this capacity, as I am sure he would at least mention the drink available at this excellent, if rather difficult to find, establishment.